Correlative Conjunctions

Another type of conjunction is the correlative conjunction. They always come in pairs (think of the "co-" in correlative), are usually one word each, and are separated by other words in the sentence. Their function is to show that the clauses are of equal importance.

Multiple Choice

Correlative conjunctions always come in pairs this means there will always be at least ___. How many?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Common correlative conjunctions include: both/and, either/or, neither/nor, rather/than, not/but not, only/but also, whether/or, & such/that

Both Bobbi and Milli have tickets for the late movie. (Both/and is the conjunction joining two nouns.)

Multiple Choice

Cora has not yet decided whether to wear her costume from last year or

to stay home from the party. What is the correlative conjunctions?

• has/not

• to/wear

• whether/or

• from/the

Cora has not yet decided whether to wear her costume from last year orto stay home from the party. (Whether/or is the conjunction joining two phrases, which start with "to.")

Multiple Choice

Which correlative conjunction in this sentence:

I want not ketchup but mustard on my hot dog.

• I/want

• not/but

• ketchup/mustard

• on/my

Multiple Choice

Which correlative conjunction in this sentence:

Jaclyn has neither a sweater nor a Jacket for the walk home.

• has/neither

• sweater/jacket

• neither/nor

• for/the

Multiple Choice

Which correlative conjunction in this sentence:

Amra brought either the salsa or the hummus.

• brought/either

• either/or

• or/the

• salsa/hummas

Multiple Choice

Which correlative conjunction in this sentence:

I am unsure whether I should apply or not.

• am/unsure

• unsure/whether

• whether/should

• whether/or

Multiple Choice

Which correlative conjunction in this sentence:

Justin has both a game and an online code for playing.

• has/both

• both/and

• game/code

• both/for

Multiple Choice

Which Correlative Conjunction fills the blanks best?

Betsy _ has to wash dishes, _ take out the garbage.

• Whether/or

• Not only/but also

Multiple Choice

Which Correlative Conjunction fills the blanks best?

I don't know_ I want a brownie after dinner _ if I want a cookie after dinner.

• Whether/or

• Not only/but also

Multiple Choice

Which Correlative Conjunction fills the blanks best?

Toby _ cracked his phone _ forgot his password.

• Whether/or

• Not only/but also